.30-30 AI

[3325]

I have two ‘94s, a 20” barrel and a 26”. I’ve thought about AI for one, probably the 26” and a tang sight. Maybe use it on black bear or something. Who has a .30-30 AI? Worthwhile or not?

 

[83cj-7]

I don’t own one but had a friend that had one on a 94. He said he’d never do it again because it never fed correctly and didn’t really gain much for all the hassle.

 

[112Savage]

In a Remington 788 or similar I think it would be sweet. In a ‘94… I don’t know.

Upping pressure in the bolt action, less moving parts during feeding, and less OAL limitation would make a single shot or bolt action more appealing for AI than a lever gun.

This comes from a guy who just this week tried to load a 125BT into a marlin 30-30… it wouldn’t work.

 

[Chris in TN]

Once upon a time I got a wild hair to kill a deer with an old Marlin 30-30 I used to have, with a peep sight.

First time I took it hunting, right at dark I had a doe come out and I could see her clear as day through my binocular but couldn't make a shot with the peep sight and fiber optic bead.

Thus concluded my interest in hunting dark things with open sights.

I love the idea of AI cartridges and owna .280AI now and had a .220SwiftAI in the past and see the best trends in modern cartridges (such as the 6.5cm, etc) as being descended from what Ackley did decades ago.

But a peep-sighted rifle has limits on both range and lighting conditions and improving its ballistics doesn't fix that. I'd pass. But if I were younger with better eyes, I can see doing it differently. If you have a 200-yard set of eyeballs, go for it.

 

[112Savage]

I missed the whole tang sight part. Yes… definitely pass on AI for an open sight hunting rifle. Also, keep in mind; FN and RN bullets made for 30-30 are made and perfected for a certain velocity window. If you venture outside of that window, don’t expect as consistent results.